Ng Su Ann

You don’t have to travel too far for a great beach getaway. Consider this list for your next relaxing escape. Below, some of the best beach resorts near Kuala Lumpur with rooms and villas overlooking the sea, and only a short stroll away, stretches of soft sand, and an abundance of water activities.  There's something for everyone at these properties, whether you're planning a family get-together or you prefer to focus on poolside mai tais with a plus one. The best part: they’re all only a couple hours’ drive away from Kuala Lumpur (give or take maybe a ferry or speedboat transfer). READ MORE: The absolute best hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Best city hotels and hostels under RM200 in KL

Indie rock, acoustic folk, jazz – think you can’t find them in KL? These top live music venues play all that and more.

Take the pressure off Valentine’s Day with our list of things to do for the weekend. Love is all around – from a glam night out at the orchestra (lovebirds, we’re looking at you), a Galentine’s party at the club with your besties, or speed-dating for the singles.  It’s not too late to book a dinner resy for two, too. Check out our list of the most romantic restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. READ MORE: Best spas and massages in KL and Best luxury hotels in KL

From upscale restaurants offering breathtaking city views from 48 floors up to sultry venues serving up vibrant Sri Lankan plates, these are some of the best places in town for date night – and a certain February holiday.  READ MORE: The best restaurants in KL and The best bars in KL

For great restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, we’re spoiled for choice. After all, eating is practically a national pastime. From high-end fine dining restaurants to great neighbourhood joints, everywhere on our list serves up amazing food that you’ll enjoy. After much debate and delectation, we have compiled this updated and definitive list of Kuala Lumpur’s current greatest dining spots. Dig in! RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Kuala Lumpur and Best sushi restaurants in KL

A quick guide to knowing your kopi-c from your kopi-peng. You may now order like a pro.

If you're looking for a boutique stay in Malaysia's vibrant capital, look no further. Kuala Lumpur is the one. And it has so much to offer. We say skip the fancy hotels (and even fancier prices) for a chic weekend getaway in these small, boutique hotels in KL instead. Trust us, it's well worth the experience. From restored houses to minimalistic bed and breakfasts and decidedly Malaysian hotels paying tribute to local culture, these stylish hotels guarantee an unconventional stay you won't forget. Ready to start packing your bags yet? Great, let's take a look.RECOMMENDED: 👨‍👩‍👧The best family-friendly hotels in Malaysia 🛏Rent out the best Airbnb's in the capital🇲🇾Make the most of your stay in Kuala Lumpur Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The best workout is the one you do. Pick a workout you’re going to love — and most importantly, stick with. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve done some of the work for you (but the rest is up to you!): these Kuala Lumpur boutique studios and gyms have affordable classes and workouts under RM100.  Plank! Punch! Spin! Stretch! From core-shaking pilates to challenging full-body cardio and targeted strength training, these are the best gyms and fitness classes in the city guaranteed to get hearts racing. READ MORE: Best running trails in Kuala Lumpur and The best shopping malls in KL

Kuala Lumpur is a city that loves its coffee – what started from foamy kopitiam-style kopi has now evolved into a specialised field of imported beans, serious roasters and award-winning pours. However, this piece isn’t just about who has the best drip coffee or authentic bakes, it’s about which cafés tick all the boxes – great brunch, delicious drinks, solid service and a place where one can spend a few enjoyable hours. We’ve done the homework to bring you a guide to the best cafes in KL. You’re welcome.RECOMMENDED: Best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and The best halal restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

When you're looking for a quick city getaway in the city and a break from routine, check out these accommodation in the city that are close to many things to do, cosy and run by friendly staff and often populated by cool guests. Plus, rates are affordable – win win.RECOMMENDED: The absolute best hotels in Kuala Lumpur and the 11 best family-friendly hotels in Malaysia

As you’d expect in a Malay- and Muslim-majority country, there’s no shortage of halal food in Kuala Lumpur. Still, it doesn’t always have to be gerai roti canai and nasi campur stalls and shawarma spots, all the time — the city’s halal offerings range from Indian restaurants specialising in fiery curries and tandoori meats to Italian trattorias serving up sourdough pizzas.  Below, our Muslim-friendly list for best places to eat halal food includes something for everyone, whether you’re craving Lebanese family-sized feasts, Japanese rice bowls or Southern-style fried chicken. RECOMMENDED: The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur and The absolute best hotels in Kuala Lumpur

We’ve done the work for you: from five-star luxe heavy-hitters to hip boutique hotels with plenty of charm and premier hospitality, these are our picks for the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, all alongside excellent onsite dining, wellness, and entertainment options.READ MORE: Best spas in Kuala Lumpur for cheap massages under RM100 and the best shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur

Sin Tong Hong was founded in Sitiawan, Perak, back in ’99. A few years back, the second-generation family-run kopitiam set up shop in the Klang Valley. Famed for pulled kopi and springy noodles made from scratch, must-tries are: a comforting cup of hot kopi or teh, noodles with slow-cooked chicken curry, and nasi lemak served alongside ayam goreng berempah, all made from family recipes. In addition to the tried-and-true kopitiam staple kaya and butter toast with half-boiled eggs, other bite-sized offerings include cucur udang, pai tee, and popiah.

Guan’s is at the forefront of a new wave of kopitiams boasting classic charm and contemporary tastes. Kopi and coffee, toast and croissant, Guan’s has something for everyone. Here, you’ll find kopitiam staples such as cham, kopi, kaya (double-boiled over low flame for eight hours) and butter toast, Guan’s Chicken Chop served with coleslaw and potato wedges, and meehoon siam with sambal sotong. But that’s not all; the ‘modern’ section of the menu has specialty coffee by its sister roastery Brew & Bread (plus the option to upgrade to oat milk), coney sausage and fries, pasta (sambal fettuccine served with fried chicken, anyone?), and more. There are a number of croissants and traditional toasts to choose from, dunked into chicken curry or half-boiled eggs, stuffed with egg, ham and cheese, or topped with chocolate and peanut butter.

Word of advice: bring friends. At Luck Bros Kopi, formerly known as Luckin Kopi, the most sensational items are the most ordered: the ‘5 States Kopi’ is five cups of kopi in the styles of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Melaka and Johor. (Well, if we’re going to be sticklers about it, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh are technically capitals, not states, but hey.) The Milo tower kaw kaw and the cheesy mie sedaap, served on a hot skillet atop a mini stove, would be fun for the ’gram, though our go-to order is a cup of white coffee and a plate of nasi lemak with ayam goreng berempah. That, or the salted egg chicken chop with rice.  For sharing (we said bring friends!): curry puffs, fried mantau with condensed milk, and an order of buns with six fillings of kaya, lemon, matcha, Nutella, peanut and yam. If there’s still room for dessert, try the teh tarik ais kacang or the Milo Volcano ais kacang with chocoluck and kek lapis. There are a few locations all over the Klang Valley, but the one in Petaling Street allows you to dine al fresco at its Kwai Chai Hong alleyway with a view of the Merdeka 118.

First opened in ’13 by three friends, Ali, Muthu & Ah Hock has since become a household name with locations all across the Klang Valley. The modern kopitiam is inspired by all things Malaysian and muhibbah, if a touch nostalgic for the founders’ school-going days: from interiors featuring marble top tables and stools and vintage windows to comfort food like amah used to make. On the menu, nasi lemak served with deep-fried chicken has been popular since the beginning, alongside kuey teow goreng (not basah or ‘wet’, we prefer our kuey teow dry and with char) and chicken curry paired with roti bakar or roti jala. Of course, a kopi, teh tarik or cham is a must.

For those in the know, Ho Kow Hainam was a true hidden gem in Lorong Panggung with only a couple of tables spilling out on the street. Of course, in the early days, it was named Soon Kee for Ho Kow’s father, who set up the stall in ’56 selling Hainanese snacks and treats such as tea, soft-boiled eggs and toasts. In 2018, Ho Kow received an eviction order — and decided to move out of their sixty-plus-years address to a shophouse on the main street of Jalan Balai Polis, only a stone’s throw away. It proved to be a blessing in disguise. Ho Kow Hainam has always been well-loved by locals, but since its Jalan Balai Polis opening (the nostalgia-evoking old school décor helps, certainly), it has become something of a food destination in Chinatown. Be warned: a 30-minute wait is not uncommon. Today, the kopitiam is in the very capable hands of Ho Kow’s daughter, Ho Sook Chan and her children, though Ho Kow himself is still a regular sighting at the shop. For kopi, everything from cham to kopi c is available. Order a kaya and butter toast or bun to pair, then load up on nasi lemak ayam goreng.

If it’s good enough for The Malaysia Book of Records, it’s good enough for us. Believe the hype and brave the queue for Oriental Kopi’s egg tart, acclaimed as the “thickest” and “most sold” in the country: all 128 layers making up a 6mm crust with a caramelised golden egg filling. Aside, classics such as kaya and butter toast and polo bun (this, too, is the “most number of polo buns sold” per The Malaysia Book of Records) served with a big slab of butter and a drizzle of condensed milk are favourites throughout the day, as are nasi lemak fringed with cucumber slices, sambal, roasted peanuts and ikan bilis, plus a crispy fried chicken. Also on the menu: Hainanese chicken rice, hor fun, mee siam, and more.  If you only order one drink, make it a cup of strong Oriental Kopi — or try the Kopi Butter, which is exactly as it sounds: a slab of melt-in-your-mouth butter is added to a cup of Oriental Kopi, resulting in creamy, silky sips.

Designed by iconic architect Hijjas Kasturi and owned and operated by the Kasturi family, the resort is laid out over 15 acres with chalets and villas, each with a private pool looking out over the beach to the sea.

Selamat datang, as they say, to Tanjong Jara Resort, a sanctuary on the east coast facing a crescent-shaped beach of golden sand. It’s anchored in sucimurni, an ancient Malay way of life: from architectural elegance inspired by 17th-century Malay palaces to attitude, always warm and welcoming.

As the story goes, Lone Pine was the first hotel to open on the sandy shores of Batu Ferringhi in the late 40s, with only ten rooms owned by Dr. Albert Stanley Mckern. In recent years, following refurbishments to the 90-keys heritage hotel, Lone Pine has been brought into the fold of the Marriott International family. It reopened in 2023 with refreshed design and facilities, including a restaurant, a bar, and a multi-event hall doubling as a communal and co-working space, in addition to a gym and a pool with sun-loungers. Time Out tip: Carve out a couple of hours to sample street food and street art in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site only a short drive away.

Budget-friendly boutique hotels can be beautiful too. A small gem in the heart of Chinatown, Tian Jing Hotel’s Chinese-style architecture filters through to even its tiniest rooms, making for an affordable and charming base from which to explore the city. The fifteen rooms, built around an inner courtyard or tian jing 天井 (which translates to ‘air well’), come with high ceilings, smart television, Wi-Fi… and interestingly, a balcony or a sheltered patio that doubles as the bathroom. Design-wise: it’s airy and very retro; think crisp white linens, enamel sink and copper piping, plus furniture hand-picked from all over Malaysia.

Getting strong shouldn’t be scary. Good Juju Barbell Club is a studio specialising in strength training with a side of good vibes. Expect barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, free weights, Smith machines, and other state-of-the-art equipment.

DEFY Training is a strength and conditioning gym in the heart of the city. Think expert coaching and elite programming in a supportive group setting.